By Richard Reams

This event serves not only a fun evening, but as an important reminder that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still affecting many in our community, LGBT and straight alike.

Gay Bingo, a marquee summertime fundraising event forPalmetto Community Care,is back on April 8 at theCharleston Convention Center.This year, we’ve expanded to all three venue halls allowing for more attendees, more bingo and more fun while following recommended COVID precautions (Proof of Vaccination Status or Negative COVID Test within the last 72 hours before the event).

Avita Pharmacywill once again be the presenting sponsor and this year’s theme, brought to you byMAC,is “Lipstick and Leather - It’s More than Just a Game.” Costumes are always encouraged.Patti O’Furnitureis back as the event hostess, ready to call out bingo numbers and keep the audience entertained. And bingo winners will be treated to fabulous prize packages valued in the hundreds of dollars each.

We have sold out every year since its inception, and we knew we had to increase the space to keep growing this fabulous event.

Returning this year is theDivine Divasinitiative. Those selected will be transformed into drag stars for the night and will help Palmetto Community Care raise money for its programs and services. Participants should be willing to commit to at least three of the dance sessions to learn the choreography for the performance at Gay Bingo. Divine Divas will get help selecting an outfit along with makeup and style tips. All participants should be ready to have fun for a great cause and commit to raising at least $100. This new way to be a part of Gay Bingo is open to all; those interested should applyonline here. 

Gay Bingo — where a winner is never a straight line, and everyone has a ball — benefits Palmetto Community Care in its work helping those living with HIV in the Charleston region while providing free HIV testing, education and prevention resources. This event serves not only a fun evening, but as an important reminder that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still affecting many in our community, LGBT and straight alike.

We are so happy that Patti O'Furniture is back once more with her BVDs, and we are excited to bring Divine Divas back in the mix for 2022.

We have sold out every year since its inception, and we knew we had to increase the space to keep growing this fabulous event. This year’s theme is a perfect blend of fun and camp, and I can’t wait to see costumes inspired by "Lipstick and Leather" and all the amazing outfits that are sure to be showstoppers. We are so happy that Patti O'Furniture is back once more with her BVDs, and we are excited to bring Divine Divas back in the mix for 2022.

The event is from 6 - 10 p.m., Friday, April 8, at the Charleston Convention Center. General admission tickets are $35 in advance through February 28, $45 during the month of March, and $50 starting April 1. Tickets include bingo and entertainment. Food will be available for purchase along with a cash bar will be available. VIP tickets include a pre-event VIP reception at 5 p.m. with a complimentary drink ticket plus premium seating and a free drink ticket plus bingo and entertainment. VIP tickets are $55 in advance through February 28, $65 during the month of March, and $80 starting April 1. Reserved tables are available ranging from $600 to $2,000. For more details and to purchase tickets, visitcharlestongaybingo.org.For information on sponsorships or to purchase a reserved table, contact me, Richard Reams, director of development and marketing, at (843) 747-2273 ext. 216 or email me at rreams@palmettocare.org.

About Palmetto Community Care | Complete compassionate HIV care + prevention

Palmetto Community Care has been helping those living with HIV for more than 25 years. It all started with a belief that no one living with HIV or AIDS should go without medical care, everyday resources, or emotional support. We believe our continued commitment to our work here in the Lowcountry will help bring an end to the HIV epidemic through increased HIV testing, prevention, and education. Free, confidential HIV/STI testing: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and until noon on Fridays. No appointment is needed. For more information, visit palmettocommunitycare.org.